Bills begin OTAs after plenty of changes on both sides of the ball

And just like that, the Buffalo Bills are back on the field for the official start of the 10 days they are allowed for organized team activities, or OTAs.

These practices are part of “Phase 3” of the league’s offseason workout rules, which consists of four weeks of the team’s offseason program. During each session, 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted, but no live contact is allowed.

Article 22 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement stipulates that clubs may hold one mandatory minicamp for veteran players during Phase 3, as well. For the Bills, that will take place June 12-14. In the meantime, while OTAs are conducted, all workouts are voluntary. Players cannot be disciplined by the team or league for not attending any of the sessions.

Here is the Bills' full schedule of their 2018 OTAs and mandatory minicamp:

OTAs:May 22-24May 29-31June 4-5June 7-8

Mandatory Minicamp:June 12-14

The Bills begin this offseason program with plenty of changes and new faces on both sides of the ball, including first round draft picks, quarterback Josh Allen and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. They’ll join players such as defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (Panthers), defensive end Trent Murphy (Redskins), and quarterback A.J. McCarron (Bengals), all signed as free agents this offseason.

Also new is offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, who comes to the team after running the offense for one year and winning the college national title at Alabama under head coach Nick Saban. Daboll has four years of experience as an NFL offensive coordinator, including two with the Browns and one each with the Dolphins and Chiefs.

Gone from the Bills, among others, are quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who was traded to the Browns, offensive tackle Cordy Glenn, who was dealt to the Bengals, and linebacker Preston Brown, who signed with Cincinnati as a free agent.

Center Eric Wood has retired (although not made official yet by the team) and guard Richie Incognito was released by the club on Monday. That means there will be a host of changes on the starting offensive line in 2018. Center Russell Bodine was signed as a free agent from the Bengals and guard Wyatt Teller (Virginia Tech) was drafted in the fifth round.

Head coach Sean McDermott is scheduled to address the media before Thursday’s practice, while players will be made available after the session.